At 15, Fletch was one of the hottest prospects in the country and Fergie — fearing he was poised to make Newcastle his first professional club — was growing desperate in his efforts to sign the midfielder.

But when the legendary Old Trafford boss made his feelings loud and clear, it put him on a collision course with someone he couldn’t contend with.

Fletcher revealed: “I nearly signed for Newcastle.

“I had been going to United from the age of 12, but Newcastle at this point were the second-biggest team.

“I had everyone telling me to look at all the great Man United midfielders and how I’d never get into the team and that it would be so difficult to break through. Newcastle was also closer to home.

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“So I’m thinking about signing for Newcastle, the word gets back to Sir Alex and he phoned the house one night.

“My sister picked up the phone and said, ‘Here Darren, it’s for you,’ and it was the boss going absolutely mental.

“I was only 15 and I went chalk white and he’s effing and giving it to me down the phone.

“My mum sees me, grabs the phone and listens for a few seconds, then says, ‘Don’t speak to my son like that ever again,’ then slams the phone down."

THE LOCKDOWN TACTICS is a brand new podcast, hosted by former Scotland stars Robert Snodgrass and Kris Boyd. Every week TLT will talk to big names, with its core focus being on mental health and wellbeing. Its chosen charity partner is The Kris Boyd Charity. To watch the full interview with Darren Fletcher go to YouTube and the various Lockdown Tactics social media platforms. It will be available from 12.00 today.